Who doesn’t like choices? In the last century, most Dallas ISD students went with their neighbors to elementary, middle and high school according to their attendance zone. Curriculum and instruction were pretty much the same for the majority of students. Today, more parents are looking for options and a best-fit education for their child.
DISD began the year with a remarkable expansion of school choices for students, both at their neighborhood school and at magnet, innovation and transformation schools. On Dec. 3, the district will host the Discover Dallas ISD Fair to showcase all 228 schools. Students and parents are encouraged to attend to learn about the many programs that are available. Whether it’s collegiate academies, pre-K programs for 3 and 4 year olds, single-gender and magnet schools, Montessori, STEM, two-way dual language programs and other choices, DISD has something for every interest.
Come check it out: Discover Dallas ISD, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, at Ellis Davis Field House (elementary grade levels), 9191 S. Polk, and directly across the street at D.A. Hulcy STEAM Middle School (middle and high school programs). There will be workshops, student performances, demonstrations, and opportunities to speak with teachers and principals. I hope to see you there.
News in District 7:
Kudos to Trinidad “Trini” Garza Early College High School for being recognized as a high-performing and high-progress school by the Texas Education Agency. The agency identified the top Title I schools in the state based on their academic performance on their STAAR performance for 2014-15.
Congratulations to our District 7 campus Teachers of the Year:
Shelley White, Molina High School; Edmond Gomez, Adamson High School; Rametria Smith, Sunset High School; Claudia Simpkins, Garza Early College; Edgar Pinilla, Greiner Academy; Beth Poquette Drews (district finalist), Stockard Middle School; Thuan Do, Quintanilla Middle School; Michelle Lee, Garcia Middle School; Kellie Lawson, Rosemont Middle School; Claudia Solorio, Arcadia Park Elementary; Maria Pichardo, Bowie Elementary; Edna Lymus, Cowart Elementary; Natalia Rodriguez, Donald Elementary; Marlynn Smith,Hall Elementary; Elvia Castillo, Henderson Elementary; Janice Hackler, Hogg Elementary; Olga Marquez, Lida Hooe Elementary; Candice Lindsay, Jones Elementary; Chandra Brown-Hanks, Sidney Lanier Vanguard; Alison Meagher, Peabody Elementary; Katrina Wade-Pettigrew, Pease Elementary; Monica Arambula, Peeler Elementary; Stacy Cianciulli, Rosemont Elementary; Octavio Gutierrez, Stevens Park Elementary; Martha Easley, Cochran Elementary; Maria Del Carmen Sanchez, Salazar Elementary; Margaret Carlough, Bethune Elementary; Moises Torales, Soto Elementary; Liliane De Moraes (district finalist), Botello Elementary; and Paul Flores, Winnetka Elementary.
A special thanks to REAL School Gardens, Sprouts, and AT&T for bringing an exciting outdoor learning space to Reagan Elementary earlier this month. Thanks to these wonderful partners, students will be able to enjoy hours of adventure in the new garden as they explore and learn about the world of science.
The district will be closed the entire week of Thanksgiving, Nov. 21-25. Have a great holiday.
Audrey Pinkerton
Audrey Pinkerton is the District 7 representative on the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees.
